What is the difference between a 2.4 GHz phone and a 5.8GHz phone?
Is the 5.8GHz worth the price difference?

Any opinions, besides "3.4GHz, duh" are appreciated.

One potential advantage of 5.8Ghz phones is that they wouldn't interfere with computer wireless (802.11b/g) stuff, which is 2.4 Ghz.

I personally have never seen a big advantage of 2.4Ghz/5.8Ghz phones over nice 900Mhz models that do DSS (digital spread spectrum). I would go with one of those. In fact, I have a Uniden model that I like a lot (even though it has no DSS) and is REALLY cheap: $15.19 in black, $12.34 in white. Also avaible for more with CallerID and/or answering machine built in.

With some 5.8 Ghz phones (Vtech models at least), the base transmits on the 5.8GHz frequency, while the handset operates in the 2.4GHz frequency. This means you might still get some interference with wireless computer stuff. Also, a general thing to be aware of is the higher the frequency of the phone the poorer the battery life (usually).

I've been researching this also. I have an old 900Mhz now that is starting to show it's age. I really want a package that lets you do the add-a-phone thing. I have also been looking only at the 5.8Ghz to try and not interfer with then lan. I was looking at the VTech 5.8 and found out it is not pure 5.8Ghz. The reason for this is because of battery life in the handset is a lot better at 2.4 than at 5.8. I also found out that the AT&T 5.8 phones are rebadged Vtechs so same problem. Looks like Panasonic makes a true 5.8Ghz system that will handle up to 7 add-a-phones, but it is an expensive solution right now.

I believe that lower frequencies (ie, 900MHz) travel father, so theoretically a 900MHz phone should have greater range than 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz.

I only use 900MHz DSS phones. I had a 2.4GHz phone, but it interfered with my wireless network.

AMS made a geek joke!

Yep, I forgot to say that, I agree garsh. So with better battery life, longer range, and less interference, I don't really see any reason not to use a quality 900Mhz phone.

but can't baby monitors pick up on the 900Mhz??

If you have an analog phone, no matter what the frequency, it is pretty easy to pick up the signal using other analog phones, or maybe baby monitors, or other equipment.

So I suggest that all phones you buy use "Digital Spread Spectrum" (DSS). It is much harder to eavesdrop on this type of phone.

Thanks for all the help!

Since baby monitors are not an issue here I guess I will be able to go cheap on this.

AMS, if any of your neighbors have a baby monitor they can pick up the conversations! We heard several of our neighbors when we used the baby monitor. :lol:


go digital!

The our neighbors are in their 50s and 80s. No baby monitors for them either.

I've been drooling over this set @ Amazon lately. Just wondering if anyone can top the price from another retailer considering this deal should qualify for the $50 off $300 @ Electronics coupon. I've looked at beach camera, buydig, and ecost and it looks like Amazon still has the better deal. Any thoughts?

Panasonic KX-TG5110M 5.8 GHz DSS Expandable Cordless Phone with Answering System and Dual Handsets
for $233.99

Panasonic KX-TGA510M Accessory Handset for KX-TG5100M Expandable Phone
for $80.99

florep1,

Ace Photo & Digital has the PANASONIC KX-TG5110M for $203.85, and appears to have an excellent Reseller Rating. But it looks like that $50 GC is going to be hard to beat.

If your not in a big hurry, click on that "found a lower price?" link at Amazon, and give them a couple of the better stores with lower prices. I tried this once, and sure enough, a few days later they lowered their price to match. I think it's worth a shot.

We must live in sister neighborhoods :lol:

Cordless telephones are out for me!! I have about 5 different neighbors that have bearcat scanners for their favorite hobby....listening to cordless-telephone conversations.

That's why you don't want an analog cordless phone. Digital phones (DSS - Digital Spread Spectrum) cannot have their calls intercepted using such techniques.

Just wanted to update, I ordered my panasonic KX-TG5110M from beachcamera and my hubby loves it. I personally like it but not as much as he does lol. He's like a toddler with a new toy. The downside, I had to use my cellphone for probably most of the day yesterday while he programmed as many phone numbers as he could I especially like the intercom I'm actually thinking of buying more receivers for the kids bedrooms for Christmas make them feel special although in reality, it would help save my sanity and my energy if I need to holler at them

Amazon currently has the Panasonic KX-TGA510M on sale for $69.29. That's the cheapest I have seen for these.

garsh is correct. Digital spread spectrum phones are nearly impossibble to intercept. The signal is scrambled between the handset & the base. The military has used variations of this technology for years. Also the higher the frequency, the BETTER the range (distance from the base). 900 Mhz is o.k. if it's DSS. But, there are more 900Mhz phones in your area than other frequencies, thus more interception & cross talk. If it's not DSS you are suceptable to evesdropping. This week Best Buy has a 2.4Ghz DSS Dual handset (2 phones) for $59.99 A/R. text While not a high end phone, for $60 it's a decent price for what you get. I know. I just looked at Fry's at about 40 different models.My 2 cents.

Thanks harley! Got another handset at a great price